Chapter 90

Chapter 90 Donald tucked the Imite away and nodded respectfully. “Yeç Mix Blackwood ”

Shirley followed closely behind Tenjamin, her pare fixed on his tall, straight back. Her eyes drifted to the ring on her finger.

Benjamin was wearing the ring. They were married, and should mean they were the closest torach other.

Yet the marriage felt like nothing more than a piece of p When they reached the master bedroom, shuley trailed him inside, and the moment he opened the door, she boldly dated past him and slipped under the covers of his bed.

Benjamin paused, hins sharp eyes narrowing at the sight of the lamp beneath the blanket. His ey voice carried a note of irritation “Shirley”

Beneath the covers. Shirley took a deep breath before pulling the Manket down just enough to reveal her wide, cautious eyes “Get out, Benjamin ordered Shirley bit her lip and shook her head “No.”

Though she feared him, she refused to back down. She wasn’t about to let him pull her close when it suited him only to push her away when it didn’t. That would make her feel disposable –

She had chosen to marry him, not to become has lover, because she refused to live such a degrading extence. If she allowed herself to be treated like that, she wouldn’t be able to rellif she were his wife or mistress in time.

“You’re really not leaving Benjamin’s face darkened as he yanked the blanket off of her Shirley froze, her body stiffening instinctively. Memories of that night flashed through her mind, filling her with unease as she wondered if she should leave or stay In the end, she chose to stand berground I’m not leaving You need to take responsibility since you’ve slept with me. I’m your wife. I belong here.”

Benjamin z brow furrowed, his voice colder than ever. “Isn’t that your duty as a wife?”

“Yes,” Shirley replied firmly. “But tell mi | me—have you ever seen a normal husband and wite sleep in separate rooms?

“You’re really not leaving His sharp paze bore down on her.

Shirley met his eyes without flinching “No.”

Benjamin leaned in closer, and pinned her down the bed, his fresh sent brushing against her face. “You’re pot leaving?

Shirley sensed the tension rising, but the held her ground, biting her lip before speaking softly. “Thenja have your reservations about women, but I wish you’d give me a chance. Don’t shut me out so quickly.”

Before he could respond, she leaned up and pressed a light kiss to his lips.

Benjamins o stared at her, silent and unreadable. After a moment, be straightened and stepped away we’re matted. We should be the closest people in each other’s lives. I know you Shirley’s eyes followed him as he walked into the bathroom, and when the door closed. Pulling the blanket off the floor, she chatched it tightly to her chest, her heart pounding wildh wasn’t fearless—far from it. But the only way to change the situation between them was her pushing forward no matter how uncomfortable it made her. Since Benjamin avoided – wonen, she would have to close the gap between them slowly.

Benjamin emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later.

He didn’t make her leave, itatead, he pulled back the Manket and lay down on the other side of the bed.

Shirley allowed herself a small smile. Maybe s e she’d made souse progress.

Benjamin wasn’t as terrifying as she’d once thought After lying in silence for a while, Shirley could’t help but turn soward him. In a quiet voice, she asked, “Benjamin, I lost my phone:

Could I borrow yours for a moment?”